The Provost of the Adeyemi College of Education (ACE) Ondo, Prof. Olukoya Joseph Ogen, has advocated the need for effective partnership between governments at all levels, and private sector, in the funding of education in Nigeria.

Prof. Ogen made the statement in an address delivered recently at the opening of the 6th Annual Conference of the School of Education, ACE, held on Tuesday June 14, 2016 in the Institution.

While noting the enormous resources needed for funding of education in Nigeria, the ACE helmsman, opined that for the education sector to achieve its goals especially now in the face of dwindling revenue, “it is necessary for the private sector to assist the government by making financial contributions to its development.”

Underscoring the importance of teachers in the society, Prof. Ogen stated that “the progress of any nation depend on what goes on in the classroom”.

He commended the organizers of the conference and observed that its theme: “Restructuring the Nigerian Educational System for Global Best Practices and Poverty Alleviation” is apt and timely.

While stressing the need for restructuring of Education Curricula, the College Administrator said the move would help in promoting self employment and boost poverty alleviation in the country.

In a keynote address delivered on the occasion by Dr. Adesina Olusola Joseph, he emphasized the need for government at all levels in Nigeria to pay greater attention to the development of education, which he described as “the best legacy a country can give to her citizens.”

While decrying what the observed as falling standard of education “inspite of government commitment to its advancement over the years” Adesina represented by Dr. Akande, also lamented poor attitude of students to learning, challenges of unemployment, poverty, insecurity as well as social unrest in the country.

On why various educational policies introduced by successive governments in Nigeria failed to produce the desired result, Adesina attributed the problem to placement of emphasis by government on paper qualification rather than skill acquisition.

Also in a lead paper presented at the conference by Dr. Festus Oluwole Afolabi, a lecturer in the Department of Educational Administration and Planning, ACE, on the topic entitled: “Restructuring Tertiary Education in Nigeria For Global Best practices and Poverty Alleviation,” he identified poverty as one of the factors responsible for slow pace of development in Nigeria.

Afolabi also emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship education, stating that the provision of access to it by government to all citizens would go a long way in promoting wealth creation, improved economic growth, encourage effective utilization of domestic or locally produced cash crops as well as bringing about reduction in crime.

As a way of improving the welfare of the populace, the Educational Administration and Planning expert, advised all tiers of government, to make concerted effort in the provision of infrastructural facilities such as good road networks, regular electricity supply of portable water, building of hospitals as well as provision of Information Communication Technology.

On how to achieve proper restructuring of tertiary education in Nigeria, Afolabi harped on the need for all stakeholders to provide necessary infrastructural support and adequate funding to enhance teaching and research, stating that the move would enable the citizens to reap maximum benefits from tertiary institutions.

Earlier in her remark, the Chairman of the Conference ceremony, Mrs. Oluwatosin Titi Akinsiku, described lack of political will on the part of the country’s administrators as one of the problems affecting Nigerian’s educational system.

She advocated increased funding of education by government and appealed for improvement in the welfare of teachers, government officials as well as provision of loans, grants and scholarship to indigent students, saying the step would add values to their lives.

Also in her address of welcome, the Dean, School of Education, ACE, Dr (Mrs.) Oyenike Alake Oyinloye, stated that the theme of the conference “Restructuring the Nigerian Educational System For Global Best Practices Poverty Alleviation” was chosen, in order to proffer solutions to problems facing educational system in Nigeria.

While making strong case for total over-hauling of Nigerian educational system, Oyinloye explained that the step was necessary in order for the country to meet up “with the desired needs and at the same time, compete favorably with the standard obtainable in other developed countries”

She appreciated the College Management for providing financial support for the hosting of the conference and thanked Resource Persons invited for their presence at the conference.

The programme held at the Obongawan Lecture Theatre was attended by important personalities from within and outside the College including the Deputy Provost, Dr. Samuel Akintunde, representative of the College Registrar, Mr. Felix Aderinboye, Mrs. Fisayo Fakorede; Acting Librarian, Mr. Akinade Awoyemi.